Heroin Addiction
Heroin, a highly addictive recreational drug, belongs to the class of opioids (narcotic analgesics). Also known as diamorphine, it’s one of the most widely abused drugs worldwide. Although, being a drug of abuse, Heroin has a very important medicinal use. So, what is heroin, and is it so addictive?
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is a highly addictive illegal substance. Its commonly sold as a powder with colors ranging from white to dark brown. The difference in color denotes the impurities in the processing of the drug or the addition of other products like powdered milk, starches, sugars, or quinine. Heroin is controlled under sections I and IV of the single conventions on narcotic drugs and it is prohibited to sell or possess it without a license.
The Effects of Heroin
Heroin has many short-term and long-term consequences. Learn more below.
Why is Heroin so addictive?
Heroin is an exceptionally addictive drug. But why is it so addictive? It is because of its effect on the brain. Heroin targets the opiate receptors in the brain and affects the motivation and pleasure centers of the brain. This makes us desire more of the drug and to relive the euphoria associated with it. In the long run, persistent use of heroin affects the self-control and judgment areas in the brain. Resulting in making the user make poor judgments and craving the drug. Our brain also curtails the negative effects of heroin, while only making us remember the good experience with the hit. Eventually, the person becomes dependent on the drug.
Withdrawal and Overdose
Heroin is an extremely dangerous drug to withdrawal from. Most people will need medical detox. It is not recommended to try to get off of heroin without consulting a professional. Overdose from heroin is a common theme, unfortunately. Many people die each day from Heroin. So, please proceed with caution, and reach out if you or someone you know is struggling.
Finding Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction is extremely difficult and challenging for both the user and their loved ones. However, advancements in professional help have made it a tad bit easier to make sure the user does not relapse.
Professional treatment is associated with best outcomes. Detoxification is the process to cleanse the body of drug and prevent any future administration. This is best done in inpatient settings so that the patient is under 24 hours surveillance. Medical teams ensure the patient remains drug free. Doctors might also administer medicines to ease the withdrawal symptoms. Following detoxification, the patient can be referred to different rehab centers and support groups to help them keep away from the drug in the future. Luckily, there are many drug rehabs near you. The family of the patient should also be counseled on how to deal with their loved one and support him during this difficult time.
Heroin FAQ's
Below are some quick answers to frequently asked questions about heroin.
Where does heroin come from?
Heroin, like the majority of illegal substances, originates in plants. It is processed from morphine, a natural substance that’s extracted from various species of the poppy plant grown. Poppy plants are grown abundantly in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Columbia. After the plant is extracted, the process of creating heroin begins.
How do people use heroin?
- Via injection: also known as, ‘shooting up’, ‘slamming’, ‘banging’, or ‘mainlining’, this is the most commonly used method. Being the most common, it also brings in great risk compared to other methods of administration, one of the majors being transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis if multiple people use the same syringe. People most commonly inject heroin in the superficial veins of their arms but can later on opt for other veins like the femoral vein in groin. This can increase the risk of DVT.
- Ingestion (swallowing): this route is not very mundane because of its less powerful action. The reason being the first pass metabolism of the drug when it passes through the gastrointestinal tract.
- Sniffing
- Snorting (insufflation)
- Smoking: quickest way of drug administration. It’s generally smoked in glass pipes.
- Suppository (anal insertion)
- Pessary (vaginal insertion)
A very common practice, known as speed balling, is mixing heroin with cocaine and injecting them together or snorting them together.
Can I stop heroin on my own?
Most of the time people need support to get off of heroin. Detoxing in a proper setting is always recommended at the very least. After you are physically separated from the drug for a period of time, its important to find substance in your life. If not, you may relapse and go back to old behaviors. That is why dealing with the underlying issues- whether through therapy or rehab– will ultimately lead to a more succesful outcome.